The gravity in Ye Jingyu’s tone stunned everyone present, even Noble Consort Li, who had just emerged from within. She lifted her gaze, her beautiful eyes scrutinizing Ye Jingyu, the man who was about to become her son-in-law.

Deep down, Noble Consort Li had truly hoped Xiao Geng would be her son-in-law. Based on his lineage and character, Xiao Geng had always been her most ideal candidate. After all, being born a commoner left her without powerful backing in the court; she desperately wished her daughter could marry into a powerful family to shield her from further slights. When Luo Xiaofeng decreed the marriage alliance, she had been quite pleased, only to discover that her daughter’s heart already belonged to another, leading to a strong rejection of the arranged union.

Later, His Majesty the Emperor shamelessly rescinded that engagement. At the time, Noble Consort Li was bewildered, only learning afterward that Ye Jingyu had been the one to intervene. This fueled her resentment toward this upstart, Ye Jingyu, yet she couldn't speak ill of the matter in front of her daughter.

However, as a mother, she had never held much affection for Ye Jingyu. Despite his continuous growth and accumulation of greater power, it was only today—or rather, this very moment, upon hearing his fearless declaration against authority—that she finally grasped the depth of the emotion between him and her daughter, understanding the immense significance Ling'er held in his heart.

In this world, what man dared to stand against an emperor for the sake of a woman? Certainly not Xiao Geng.

Sensing the devotion in Ye Jingyu’s heart, waves of tenderness washed over Noble Consort Li. Anyone married to such a man was bound to be happy; perhaps her daughter had seen this too?

Suddenly, Noble Consort Li recalled Ye Jingyu's assistance to her son. If not for his appearance, how could her son possess his current standing, daring to challenge the Crown Prince in the imperial court?

Perhaps she had always held too many preconceptions against him? After a moment of silent contemplation, Noble Consort Li accepted Ye Jingyu as a man worthy of her daughter. Hearing his defiant words concerning imperial power, and fearing she might anger Luo Xiaofeng, she prepared to intercede for Ye Jingyu, only to hear Luo Xiaofeng’s somewhat heavy voice ring out: "Enough, enough. It is time the internal affairs of the Southern Cloud Empire were cleansed. Let you bring this matter to a conclusion!" Luo Xiaofeng sighed deeply, casting a glance at Noble Consort Li before turning and walking away, seeming decades older in that brief instant.

“I thank Your Majesty!” Ye Jingyu bowed respectfully. He perfectly understood the meaning behind Luo Xiaofeng’s words: he was not only authorized to mobilize every resource at his disposal to find the person who poisoned Luo Ling'er but could also use this opportunity to completely eradicate the Qin family from the Southern Cloud Empire, especially since their attempt to surrender had been exposed. Luo Xiaofeng had lacked the definitive proof needed to act previously.

Raising his head, he saw Noble Consort Li standing nearby.

The customs of the Southern Cloud Empire were liberal, and the palace women’s attire was remarkably bold. Noble Consort Li was currently wearing a pink long dress resembling a Tang suit, revealing the fullness of her bosom, even hinting at the deep ravine between. Yet, she possessed a baby face, presenting an overall picture of captivating allure tempered with innocent charm.

No wonder she, a mere commoner, managed to ascend to the rank of Noble Consort; it was clear she was deeply beloved by Luo Xiaofeng.

This was Ye Jingyu’s second time seeing his mother-in-law. The first was just moments ago in the rear hall, but at that time, his entire focus had been fixed on Luo Ling'er, leaving him oblivious to her presence.

“Your subject greets Your Highness!” After a brief moment of stunned observation, Ye Jingyu remembered her status and quickly offered a bow.

“Duke Ye need not be so formal…” Noble Consort Li spoke gently, her voice melodious, like that of a warbler.

“I thank Your Highness!”

Ye Jingyu looked up again, and after uttering that sentence, he fell silent, clearly unsure what to say next.

Noble Consort Li, worried for her daughter’s safety, merely sat there, occasionally glancing at Ye Jingyu, also remaining silent. A palpable silence settled over the space.

Just as the two were struggling with how to face each other, footsteps sounded from within, and soon Gongsun Xiangyi emerged, clad in a cyan long dress.

“How is she?” Ye Jingyu and Noble Consort Li stood up almost simultaneously.

“Young Master, the Princess has been poisoned by ‘Soul-Severing Dream Scent’…” Gongsun Xiangyi’s eyes were fixed solely on Ye Jingyu, ignoring the presence of the high-ranking Noble Consort Li beside her.

“Soul-Severing Dream Scent? What kind of poison is that?” Ye Jingyu raised an eyebrow; the name sounded ominously toxic.

“It is actually an aphrodisiac. In small doses, it causes no harm, but an overdose can be more potent than Hemlock Flower poison, leading to sudden death. The Princess collapsed because a large quantity of this substance had accumulated in her body, and now the toxins have invaded her internal organs. I am powerless to help…” Gongsun Xiangyi said with deep concern. She was acutely aware of the importance of Luo Ling’er to Ye Jingyu and feared his wrath upon hearing such news.

In her eyes, a touch of envy flickered—envy for Luo Ling’er’s position in Ye Jingyu’s heart.

“What…” Upon hearing the words ‘powerless to help,’ Noble Consort Li trembled, nearly fainting.

“Impossible! Ling’er cannot be harmed! Xiangyi, you must find a way to save her! You must wake her up! I beg you, you must wake her!” Hearing the news, Ye Jingyu’s expression drastically changed. All the composure and calm he had maintained in recent days vanished without a trace at this moment.

(Still writing, another chapter later!)